30th November 2017 – bright and sunny/early frost N3
Rarities
The Water Pipit continues to reside in the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar Village. View only from the road and do not enter the private fields.
Ringing
The end of migration saw thrushes and finches to the fore amongst the 144 birds of 19 species handled during the month. Individual species totals were as follows (retraps in brackets): Goldfinch 31, (10), Tree Sparrow 27, Blackbird 14, Chaffinch 11, Song Thrush 9, (1), House Sparrow 7, (7), Dunnock 3, (4), Greenfinch 3, (1), Wren 3, Robin (3), Lesser Redpoll 2, Starling 1, Brambling 1, Redwing 1, Reed Bunting 1, Collared Dove 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Blue Tit (1) and Goldcrest (1).
Water Pipit continues in residence
26th November 2017 – overcast, rain/hail showers NW5
Rarities
The Water Pipit continues to reside in the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar Village. View only from the road and do not enter the private fields.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0800-0900) provided 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Razorbill, 10 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A single Redwing was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 6 Whooper Swan headed south between the showers.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup continue in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Rarities
The Water Pipit continues to reside in the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar Village. View only from the road and do not enter the private fields.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0800-0900) provided 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Razorbill, 10 Red-throated Diver, 2 Kittiwake and 2 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
A single Redwing was logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 6 Whooper Swan headed south between the showers.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup continue in residence.
Miscellaneous
A Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Water Pipit remains
25th November 2017 – overcast, rain/hail/sleet showers NW5/6
Rarities
The Water Pipit remains in the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar Village. View only from the road and do not enter the private fields.
Offshore
Perhaps predictably, early morning sightings (0800-0900) were subdued by the northwest wind with just 10 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 2 Shag, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver logged.
Grounded Migrants
A male Blackcap was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup continue in residence. The Brent Goose flock contained 200 pale-bellied and 42 dark-bellied birds.
Rarities
The Water Pipit remains in the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar Village. View only from the road and do not enter the private fields.
Offshore
Perhaps predictably, early morning sightings (0800-0900) were subdued by the northwest wind with just 10 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 3 Guillemot, 2 Shag, 2 Kittiwake and a Red-throated Diver logged.
Grounded Migrants
A male Blackcap was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup continue in residence. The Brent Goose flock contained 200 pale-bellied and 42 dark-bellied birds.
Jack Snipe finally appear
24th November 2017 – sun and early showers, rain/sleet later W3
Rarities
A single Water Pipit has returned to the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar Village. View only from the road and do not enter the private fields.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 3 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 2600 Starling flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup continue in residence. The Brent Goose flock contained 213 pale-bellied and 20 dark-bellied birds. Waders included 10 Greenshank and 3 Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 60 birds and a Water Rail called. At least 61 Little Egret remain.
Rarities
A single Water Pipit has returned to the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar Village. View only from the road and do not enter the private fields.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 3 Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 2600 Starling flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup continue in residence. The Brent Goose flock contained 213 pale-bellied and 20 dark-bellied birds. Waders included 10 Greenshank and 3 Jack Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 60 birds and a Water Rail called. At least 61 Little Egret remain.
Water Pipit returns
23rd November 2017 – sun and showers WSW5/6/7
Rarities
A single Water Pipit has returned to the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar Village.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 105 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
It appeared that almost every rain sodden field on the island hosted a Little Egret.
Rarities
A single Water Pipit has returned to the flooded horse paddocks near Biggar Village.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 105 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged.
Miscellaneous
It appeared that almost every rain sodden field on the island hosted a Little Egret.
Great Northern Diver remains
20th November 2017 – overcast/rain at times W3/4/5
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver was again off the eastern shore at high tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup continues in residence.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 80 Twite remain and a Little was the best of the rest.
Offshore
The Great Northern Diver was again off the eastern shore at high tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup continues in residence.
Miscellaneous
The flock of 80 Twite remain and a Little was the best of the rest.
Snow Bunting
19th November 2017 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
Calm seas early morning produced a post-roost gathering of 46 Shag. Also seen were 80 Common Scoter, 4 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to 4 Redwing and a Fieldfare amongst small numbers of Blackbird. Single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Snow Bunting flew over early morning. Additional sightings included 1135 Pink-footed Goose, 32 Tree Sparrow and single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup continue in residence. Also seen were a redhead Goosander, 8 Shoveler, 12 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock continues to increase with 80 birds logged. Single Merlin and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Calm seas early morning produced a post-roost gathering of 46 Shag. Also seen were 80 Common Scoter, 4 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes were limited to 4 Redwing and a Fieldfare amongst small numbers of Blackbird. Single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were also logged.
Diurnal Migration
A Snow Bunting flew over early morning. Additional sightings included 1135 Pink-footed Goose, 32 Tree Sparrow and single Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup continue in residence. Also seen were a redhead Goosander, 8 Shoveler, 12 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock continues to increase with 80 birds logged. Single Merlin and Little Owl were the best of the rest.
Great Northern Diver
18th November 2017 – overcast/showers NW4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced 156 Common Scoter, 130 Kittiwake, 19 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver and 2 Gannet. The eastern shore added single Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver at high tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose held 297 pale-bellied birds and the 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup remain. Waders included 1000 Golden Plover, 10 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was seen and the Twite flock increased to 60 birds.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0800-0900) produced 156 Common Scoter, 130 Kittiwake, 19 Razorbill, 6 Red-throated Diver and 2 Gannet. The eastern shore added single Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver at high tide.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose held 297 pale-bellied birds and the 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup remain. Waders included 1000 Golden Plover, 10 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was seen and the Twite flock increased to 60 birds.
Barnacle Geese and Scaup
17th November 2017 – overcast NW4
Offshore
A single Shag was the only bird of note mid-afternoon.
Grounded Migrants
A single Mistle Thrush was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup remain along with 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 15 Twite and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Ringing
Recent colour-ring sightings involve 3 Icelandic ringed Oystercatcher and a Black-tailed Godwit from the Tagus Estuary, Portugal.
Offshore
A single Shag was the only bird of note mid-afternoon.
Grounded Migrants
A single Mistle Thrush was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup remain along with 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 15 Twite and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Ringing
Recent colour-ring sightings involve 3 Icelandic ringed Oystercatcher and a Black-tailed Godwit from the Tagus Estuary, Portugal.
Barnacle Geese remain
12th November 2017 – bright and sunny NNW4/5/6/7
Offshore
Early morning observations over rough seas provided 13 Common Scoter, 12 Shag, 9 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Redwing and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Single Tree Sparrow and Rock Pipit were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup remain. Waders included 14 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Peregrine continue to be logged.
Offshore
Early morning observations over rough seas provided 13 Common Scoter, 12 Shag, 9 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Guillemot and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 5 Redwing and a Fieldfare.
Diurnal Migration
Single Tree Sparrow and Rock Pipit were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 7 Barnacle Geese and female Scaup remain. Waders included 14 Greenshank and 3 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
Merlin and Peregrine continue to be logged.
Great Northern Diver and Scaup
11th November 2017 – sunny spells/calm
Offshore
Dawn saw a congregation of 30 Shag along with single Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 18 Fieldfare, 15 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush. A total of 7 Goldcrest were the only other grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
A late flurry saw 45 Meadow Pipit logged. Also seen were 12 Chaffinch, 11 Whooper Swan, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Brambling, 2 Twite and 2 Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 6 Scaup were recorded.
Miscellaneous
A total of 6 Water Rail were logged. Birds of prey involved Little Owl, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
Butterflies
A Red Admiral remained on the wing.
Offshore
Dawn saw a congregation of 30 Shag along with single Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 18 Fieldfare, 15 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing and 2 Mistle Thrush. A total of 7 Goldcrest were the only other grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
A late flurry saw 45 Meadow Pipit logged. Also seen were 12 Chaffinch, 11 Whooper Swan, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Brambling, 2 Twite and 2 Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 6 Scaup were recorded.
Miscellaneous
A total of 6 Water Rail were logged. Birds of prey involved Little Owl, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
Butterflies
A Red Admiral remained on the wing.
Barnacle Geese arrive
10th November 2017 – sunshine and heavy showers NW4/5
Offshore
A Red-throated Diver was the only bird of note.
Grounded Migrants
Single Redwing and Goldcrest were all that could be mustered.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 7 Barnacle Geese were newly arrived, the Brent Goose flock held 248 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 13 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Merlin and single Peregrine and Little Owl were logged.
Offshore
A Red-throated Diver was the only bird of note.
Grounded Migrants
Single Redwing and Goldcrest were all that could be mustered.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 7 Barnacle Geese were newly arrived, the Brent Goose flock held 248 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 13 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Merlin and single Peregrine and Little Owl were logged.
Great Northern Diver
5th November 2017 – bright and sunny N4/3
Offshore
Morning observations produced 32 Common Scoter, 11 Guillemot and 7 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes consisted of 2 Redwing and a Fieldfare. Additional sightings involved a Chiffchaff amongst 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Small-scale migration continued with 400 Jackdaw, 11 Meadow Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 8 Skylark, 3 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Stock Dove logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The eerie call of a Great Northern Diver resonated across the island and the female Scaup remains. Waders included 16 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin remain and 28 Twite were seen. A Water Rail called.
Butterflies
Several Red Admiral remain on the wing.
Offshore
Morning observations produced 32 Common Scoter, 11 Guillemot and 7 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes consisted of 2 Redwing and a Fieldfare. Additional sightings involved a Chiffchaff amongst 3 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Small-scale migration continued with 400 Jackdaw, 11 Meadow Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 8 Skylark, 3 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Stock Dove logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The eerie call of a Great Northern Diver resonated across the island and the female Scaup remains. Waders included 16 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin remain and 28 Twite were seen. A Water Rail called.
Butterflies
Several Red Admiral remain on the wing.
Another late Swallow
4th November 2017 – sunny spells WNW 3/4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) provided 85 Common Scoter, 54 Razorbill, 25 Kittiwake, 7 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes consisted of 32 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare. Additional sightings were limited to 7 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Another late Swallow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup continues to linger and 117 pale-bellied Brent Geese were amongst 1534 Wigeon. Waders included 13 Greenshank and 6 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 34 birds, 21 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marshes and raptors included 2 Merlin and a Peregrine. In addition 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Jay were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) provided 85 Common Scoter, 54 Razorbill, 25 Kittiwake, 7 Shag, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes consisted of 32 Redwing and 3 Fieldfare. Additional sightings were limited to 7 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Another late Swallow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup continues to linger and 117 pale-bellied Brent Geese were amongst 1534 Wigeon. Waders included 13 Greenshank and 6 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 34 birds, 21 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marshes and raptors included 2 Merlin and a Peregrine. In addition 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Jay were the best of the rest.
Late Swallows
3rd November 2017 – overcast SW3/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) revealed 53 Common Scoter, 39 Kittiwake, 16 Shag, 15 Razorbill, 12 Guillemot and single Gannet and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes consisted of single Fieldfare and Redwing amongst a light sprinkling of Blackbird. Additional sightings were limited to 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Three late Swallow were logged along with 6 Whooper Swan and 3 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and 13 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 44 birds and raptors included Merlin and Peregrine.
Moths
A Mottled Umber would appear to be only the second island record.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) revealed 53 Common Scoter, 39 Kittiwake, 16 Shag, 15 Razorbill, 12 Guillemot and single Gannet and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes consisted of single Fieldfare and Redwing amongst a light sprinkling of Blackbird. Additional sightings were limited to 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Three late Swallow were logged along with 6 Whooper Swan and 3 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and 13 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock held 44 birds and raptors included Merlin and Peregrine.
Moths
A Mottled Umber would appear to be only the second island record.
Last rites for autumn passage?
2nd November 2017 – sunny spells NE2/3
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 17 Common Scoter and 6 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 14 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare amongst a few Blackbird. Otherwise sightings were limited to 5 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Passage included 190 Woodpigeon, 49 Whooper Swan, 30 Meadow Pipit, 12 Tree Sparrow, 9 alba Wagtail, 3 Reed Bunting and single Brambling and Lesser Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
Two Great Spotted Woodpecker were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
Butterflies
Several Red Admiral were still on the wing.
Offshore
A scan of the sea revealed 17 Common Scoter and 6 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes included 14 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare amongst a few Blackbird. Otherwise sightings were limited to 5 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff.
Diurnal Migration
Passage included 190 Woodpigeon, 49 Whooper Swan, 30 Meadow Pipit, 12 Tree Sparrow, 9 alba Wagtail, 3 Reed Bunting and single Brambling and Lesser Redpoll.
Miscellaneous
Two Great Spotted Woodpecker were the best of the rest.
Mammals
A Harbour Porpoise was offshore.
Butterflies
Several Red Admiral were still on the wing.
Scaup remains and Twite increase
1st November 2017 – overcast WSW3
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) provided 26 Common Scoter, 22 Razorbill, 21 Pintail, 12 Shag, 10 Guillemot and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was amongst 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Passage continues to dwindle with just 60 Jackdaw, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Bullfinch, Siskin and Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and at least 11 Greenshank continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock has increased to 24 birds. A Treecreeper and Jay continue to haunt less frequently visited areas of the island while garden feeders hosted at least 2 Tree Sparrow.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) provided 26 Common Scoter, 22 Razorbill, 21 Pintail, 12 Shag, 10 Guillemot and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A Chiffchaff was amongst 2 Goldcrest.
Diurnal Migration
Passage continues to dwindle with just 60 Jackdaw, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Lesser Redpoll and single Bullfinch, Siskin and Rock Pipit.
Wildfowl and Waders
The female Scaup remains and at least 11 Greenshank continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
The Twite flock has increased to 24 birds. A Treecreeper and Jay continue to haunt less frequently visited areas of the island while garden feeders hosted at least 2 Tree Sparrow.
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